Aussie Curves - Blue

I didn't get to join in on last week's Aussie Curves challenge. Mainly because I wanted to share this great jacket, but my Sister had borrowed it and I was awaiting it's return.

I was getting dressed to go out and remembered that it was Blue week. I had a dig looking for something blue and I spied this top. I really like the top. I purchased it at the markets when a bunch of fellow AC girls decided to head to the rotary market to sell their clothing. I think I spent more than half the profit I made from selling my clothing!

I was heavily pregnant at the time, but this top fitted like a dream. I have even used it as a swimmer cover up. I was concerned it would be too baggy to wear post- baby.

Happily, it has still worked quite well cinched in with a belt. I like that the blue in this top is subtle, and it challenges the idea that navy and black can't be worn together.It was a freezing cold day so I had to layer up with a 3/4 shirt and a jacket. I added an old navy scarf for warmth but also to bring out the blue in the top more.

The jacket was a great find at Big W. I loved it so much, I got it full price! That's a big deal for my inner tightass! I generally wait for a sale to buy things I like, however I was concerned this would be snapped up, and it was quite cheap to start with anyway.

What I LOVED about it was that it was pleather, but under the arms it was a thick Scuba stretch material. Any Woman who has chubby upper arms can relate about what a great idea this is. Pleather (and leather) is not overly forgiving with stretch. I find it difficult to wear because there is not enough movement, and often I find most jackets too tight in the arms. I DID actually find this jacket was tight in the arms, but that was because of the non stretch satin lining. Does this really irk anyone else? I will NEVER understand why great, stretchy pices are then lined with cheap, on stretchy satin!!!

I refused to be deterred. I bought the jacket, then went at the lining with a seam ripper! Voila! A jacket that was a perfect fit, and thanks to the stretch I could also layer up and still be able to move my arms.

This was such a comfortable outfit, and my Sister remarked a few times about how great it looked.

Tell me, have you ever done a 'cloting hack' to make an item work? What did you do?

Aussie Curves- Denim

Who doesn't love denim? Part of the appeal is that it goes with anything, is comfortable and looks good in everyone.

Finding the perfect jeans as a pear shape can be a bit of a holy grail though. I love the City Chic bootleg jeans, however I am a bit miffed they don't make them in skinny leg! That, however, is a post for another day. 

Most people own a pair of jeans. There is another denim classic that I firmly believe every girl should own. 

A denim jacket. 

Let me extol the virtues of this must have item. 

- It is tran-seasonal. I have found that a denim jacket is perfect for all seasons . During the hotter months you can also buy short sleeved ones.

- It suits almost every style of dress, skirt or pants. Throw one on with a maxi dress. Wearing a pencil skirt and top ? Layer up with a jacket . Going from work to somewhere more casual? A denim jacket makes your black work pants look less business and more leisure .

 - It goes with every colour . I have found if I don't have a cardigan or jumper that suits an outfit my denim jacket will always suit. 

 - You can even do double denim if you are daring ! (I know some fellow curvettes have showcased this look this week so check out the links below).

Here are my tips if what to look for in a denim jacket

- A bit of stretch or a soft fabric. Denim can be quite firm so having a bit of stretch allows for better movement in your arms. It also allows you to layer up

- Go for either a cropped length or one tgst stops just on or before your waist. Any longer and you can look a bit too bulky. 

- A blue mid tone would be a good colour and most versatile .

Do you have a denim jacket? Have you seen one recently that is great? Share the love and comment below letting other's know about where to find a great jacket

Aussie Curves - Secondhand

I love op shopping. I love never knowing wht you might find, and there is noting like snapping up a great item for a few dollars. 

I remember my Mum buying her work clothes from a second hand store when I was a child. She had worked in childcare, but after suffering nervous breakdown and depression she retrained. She completed a tafe course where she learnt how to use a computer and programs tat made her employable in schools. This meant a new wardrobe but after having time off work she didn't have the money to spend on expensive work wear. I remember her delight at finding some great quality skirt and jacket sets in a variety of colours from some big brand names in her favourite op shop. I was embarrassed that she wore someones old clothing. 

Now I am older I understand why, and appreciate her delight in finding such gems. This dress is one of her ecent finds that she picked up for me. It is an Autograph dress and fits perfectly. It features my favourite colours to wear, coral and purple. The cut is perfect, the pattern is great, and it is a dress I know I will get a lot of wear out of when I head back to work as well as now.

Dress - Autograph
Necklance - Old
Shoes - Kmart

You can also check out my other posts I have written about buying secondhand items. 

• Last year's Secondhand post 
• My op - shopping adventures where I share my haul and my top tips

Aussie Curves - Sequins

Top - Made by Mum!
Skirt - Target Moda
Sandals - Target
Headband- Diva
Clutch - Secondhand

I nearly did not participate this week as I really don't have a lot of sequins in my wardrobe. I am not keen on them on clothing as I generally don't want to have a lot of hand wash only items in my wardrobe, and sequins are very delicate.

However, as I was getting dressed this morning I spied my headband with sequins. I realised that you don't have to wear a whole dress made with sequins, you just need to be inspired by them in some way. I find sometimes if you like a trend, but don't want to go all out, just having a little accessory can be a great nod to a style without wearing it head to toe.I also added a glomesh handbag, which I figured added to the sequin look.

I really love the print and colours of my top. After I purchased a similar top at Supre my Mum and I looked at the simple cut and decided we could easily make it ourselves. The benefit of doing it ourselves was that it could be made a little smaller, so the top wasn't quite as baggy.

My Mum has made me 3 tops, but in different prints. They are really beautiful. I am hoping that I will get wear out of them through winter too. I can see them layered up with a long knit top underneath and a blazer or jacket on top, or just a scarf.

I wore this outfit to Yum Cha with my Sister and her partner. He had never tried Yum Cha so we decided we must introduce him to the joys of this Asian cuisine. I find it is best not to wear anything too restrictive and tight when going for a marathon Yum Cha session. What I love best about Yum Cha is that you get lots of little dishes, so you can try different tastes and textures. We usually go at 11am, having it as a brunch. My favourites are Pork Buns, Asian greens with Oyster Sauce, and Pork Sui Mai. We also love the desserts, with Hubby and I sharing Mango Pancakes and Mango pudding at the end.

I am pleased to say my Sister's Boyfriend really enjoyed the food too!

What is your favourite cuisine to eat, and what are you 'Must Try' dishes for the uninitiated?

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Aussie Curves - Boho

I have not been sharing many blog posts lately. I have had a cranky Little Man to tend to. At 3 months old he seems to be teething. My placid chilled out boy had turning into a grizzly bear that chews madly on his fist.

He also takes great objection to being put down. SIGH...

I spent all of last week cooped up in the house as I did not want to spend money and it is so time consuming to go out now days. Finally I decided I needed to get out of the house so I arranged to pop down to the shops for a coffee with my Sister.

It was nice to put something on that was not just lounge pants. No foundation though, as my skin was looking rather good, so I just chucked on mascara,blush,  undereye concealer and some gloss. 

Jeans & Boots - Autograph
White Shirt- Kmart Alexia
Knitted vest - Target
Necklace & Bracelets - Very old! I *think* Diva & Equip

The weather has suddenly turned miserable and I am having to think about what on earth I am going to wear during winter. This outfit was one I was rather pleased with and it may get a few outings if this weather keeps up. To me boho means shades of browns, chunky knits, leather and beaded necklaces. It can also mean fun, colourful fabrics, but for today I kept it very simple.

I have been learning how to braid so I experimented with this lovely braided hairdo. I was rather pleased, but sadly it loosened up as I was shopping and fell out. More practicing is needed I think. I have been putting my Daughter's hair in braids. We have always had a huge amount of trouble getting her to let me do her hair,with Abbie preferring to channel her own inner boho, and let her curly hair be wild and free. Until, that is, my Mum had a stroke of genius. She told her that when her hair wasn't done she looked like the trolls in Frozen, but when it was done she looked like Queen Elsa (Abbie's favourite character). Sure enough, she thought on this for a moment, then came to be with a brush and a hair tie. Since then she has happily had her hair braided each day so she can be like a Queen.

I confess, I sometimes worry bout the messages I send my daughter regarding beauty. I don't want her to think beauty requires make up or clothing. Yet, I also want her to look nice when we go out. It is a dilema at times, however I think in this instance I am relieved she now lets me brush her hair and get dressed without an argument.

What does Boho look like to you?

Aussie Curves - Double Take

I was eagerly awaiting this week's theme because I had the perfect 'double take' in mind. Anyone on the Aussie Curves Facebook page will recall my excitement at finding a great bodycon dress at Supre. I have already worn the dress with a Kaftan in the last Aussie Curves challenge. However the dress had so much more potential, so I decided to show how I plan in making the most out of a simple, black bodycon.

In fact, this is more than a double take, Six - take!

Dress - Supre

My excitement in finding the body con was that I knew I had several tops that I wear in limited ways because It didn't always look good with other items. I knew I was going to be able to extend the wearability of items in my wardrobe with this one item. On it's own? This one is not really wearable. It is too thin and clingy, but worn as a base for other wearable pieces? Perfect!

Top - Moda (Target)
Shoes - Target
Necklace - Millers

Peplum - City Chic
Necklace - Lovisa

Kaftan - Virtu
Belt - Kmart

Tunic - Belle Chemise

Skirt - Autograph
Jacket - Crossroads

Maxi - Millers

So how is that for one versatile dress? This id definately a wardrobe staple, so go hunting for a great body con black dress and start experimenting!

Check out how the other curvettes are styling their items

Aussie Curves - Breaking the Rules

Rules are made to be broken, right?

 I was unsure at first which rule to break, because as I have participated in Aussie Curves most of the 'rules' I used to have i've already broken. I now happily wear sleeveless tops, I purchased my first pair of shorts just before Christmas, I wear whatever colour and pattern combination I like, and I think we have well and truly shown that plus size ladies CAN wear stripes.

 So, what rule do I have left to break? For myself it is more about self imposed rules, especially what shops NOT to shop in. One shop I avoid shopping in is Supre. After all, we all know it's only for skinny girls right?

Dress (Worn underneath) - Supre
Kaftan Top - Supre
Sandals - Target
Bangles - Diva/Lovia/Equip
Belt - Kmart
Earrings - Upcycled from an old necklace

Wrong!

I have been hunting for a while for a tight, bodycon black dress. I had the idea that it could be a very versatile item, as it could be worn as a slip, as a skirt, and just generally be layered up to create different looks.

I had popped into Supre because I had seen some amazing Kimono shrugs there, and knew they would fit me. I was correct, and I picked up a very generous shrug in a XS. While I was in there I spotted some stretchy dresses. I decided to take a gamble and try one on.

Sure enough, it fit. The dress is VERY clingy, and I would not actually wear it as a dress because it is too tight on my tummy. However, it does work as a great slip that smoothes me out nicely.

I tried on a flowy kaftan top with it and that also looked really good.

So for the first time in YEARS I walked out of Supre with a few purchases.

I wore this outfit to a friends 30th at a hotel pub on in the Northern Beaches. I knew it would be the perfect mix of summery, casual and comfortable. I used the belt to cinch the kaftan in a bit to give me a bit more shape. Instead of putting it over the top, I actually ran the belt through the inside of the top, and bought it out through the extra wide sleeves to cinch it in. It meat the top was still flowy at the back, but gave me definition at the front.

I am very excited about the dress. I have already tried it on with several other items in my wardrobe and can see it becoming a bit of a wardrobe staple. My only complaint would be that I find it moves up when walking, so it sits just above my knee. All tight, straight skirts do this to me though, so it is not too big of a deal.

I will be featuring this dress in next week's theme of ' Double Take' so stay tuned! I have quite a few ideas of ways i'd like to style the dress and can't wait to share them with you.

Rules are made to be broken, what 'rule have you broken lately? Check out the 'rules' the other AC ladies are breaking this week. Rebellious bunch we are!

Aussie Curves - New Years

Just putting it out there - New Years just isn't the same once you have young kids!The last few years Hubby and I have mostly stayed at home. Our New Year tradition seems to be to hang at home in our PJ's eating antipasto.

This year, we actually did have plans. We went to our Brother In Law/Sister In Law's place, which is one block away! The best bit about this arrangement was that we could walk over. My Husband drove over in advance and dropped of the food we were bringing, and Esky of drinks, and 4 litres of Berry & Lemon Sangria that I had made. Then we loaded up the kids into the pram and walked on over.

The day before I had been shopping and found this beautiful dress as City Chic. It was perfect for New Years because it was casual but still felt a little special, was super comfortable and was colourful.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the small fit me, given that i'm usually a medium in City Chic. However, the full skirt and ruched elastic back meant the samll fitted nicely.

Dress - City Chic
Denim Jacket - Crossroads
Necklace - Given to me by my Sister
Sandals - Kmart

I also painted my nails just for New Year. I am trying to look after my nails, so I borrowed my Sisters gel nail kit and did a little nail art. I loved the fun pop of the hot pink, and a bit of sparkle from the glitter polish was also perfect.

We had a great, low key New Year, talking to family and friends,playing scattergories and just generally relaxing.

I can't wait to see what 2014 brings. It is looking like it will be an exciting, and busy, year. Several friends are having babies around April/May so there will be a flurry of baby showers and births. The babies that were born last year will be turning One, and I will be a Stay At Home Mum this year while on Maternity leave.

I hope you have a wonderful New Year, I look forward to sharing my adventures with you this year!

P.S If you like the sound of the Berry Lemon Sangria I will share the recipe later in the week so be sure to check back!

Aussie Curves - Christmas

Finally! I am able to take part in my first AC challenge postbaby!

Funnily enough, I have actually 'played along' with most of the themes, choosing outfits at some point in the week in accordance with the theme, but I just never got around to taking any photos, so they went unposted.

This week's theme should have been easy enough too, afterall, I was getting dressed up anyway, and surely there would be photos? Well... kind of. I yet again forgot to take any proper outfit photos! I was determined to take part though, and after coming home from a day of shopping I realised I was pretty much wearing the same outfit, just a different necklace, so I had Hubby snap some photos!

Peplum - City Chic

Skirt - City Chic

Sandals - Target

Necklace - Peeptoe

For Christmas Day I wanted something pretty, but comfortable. This outfit was just perfect. I had been lusting after the peplum trend, watching on in envy as so many different styles came out. However, as I was pregnant for most of this year, I could only watch on in envy. 

This is one of my firts purchases post baby! A beautiful floral peplum that can be worn casually or dressed up. What i love the most is that it goes in where i'm smallest, but also perfectly covers my soft post baby belly.

Another lusted after trend was pleather! I really didn't think this would look good, but this pencil skirt is a perfect fit. The best part about this skirt was that any mess spilled on it just wiped right off. A very neccesary feature when you have a newborn and a toddler.

My sandals are my current favourites. They are from Target and are just so comfortable! They actually slip on, with the back part being made from a stretchy velvety fabric. These shoes just seem to glam up the simplest outfit, and I am kicking myself I didn't buy the same pair in the cream and black colour that was also available. I can;t seem to find them instore at the moment. 

The necklace I actually purchased from Danielle (Danimezza) at the plus size market day that we participated in a few months back. It is by Peeptoe. I think it goes perfectly with the sandals, and also adds a bit of bling to a simple outfit. I will confess that I actually wore a different necklace on the day, but I prefer the look of this one! 

I hope you all had a Very Merry Christmas!

Check out what my fellow curvettes wore this silly season!

Aussie Curves - Pink

Another week of Aussie Curves has rolled around. I did take photos for last week, but did not get a chance to write a post. Nevermind, I might share the photos later in the week. I think the more I can share how I dress while pregnant the better. Not so much because I am vain, but simply because there are so few photos of plus size Mumma's on the net I figure every picture helps :)

At nearly 36 weeks the emphasis is definitely on comfort when I dress. The weather had been going from really hot 30 degree days, to more mild 24 degree days. Added to the mix is the fires that are happening not too far from my home. That is a post for another day.

Shorts - Target

Top - Big W

Kimono Jacket - Tree of Life

Sandals - Kmart

Bangles - Lovisa

Necklace - Boutique stall (Unknown name)

I have never worn these shorts out in public. They are maternity shorts, and I have felt they were too short for me to wear. However I have seen so many fellow curvettes in short shorts recently, and they all look rather fab! I am very self conscious of my knees, which is why I've never worn these out. Except I realised when I look at other peoples I rarely notice their knees. So I decided to pop on my super comfortable shorts and head out to a fair with my daughter. In a case ultimate 'pushing my comfort levels' I also went out sans make up!

The kimono jacket is just beautiful. I love the pastel florals, and the light breezy weight. It was perfect for this week's pink theme. I love how it blends the two different patterns, and has such a soft pink tone. I kept accessories simple with a pretty bunting necklace and pastel toned bangles.

My sandals are super old, and date back to when I was pregnant with my daughter. I swelled up something fierce at the end, and these sandals (I also have them in gold & silver) were all I could wear, with the buckles widened as far as they could go. Thankfully I am much less puffy this time, but my feet are starting to swell in the heat.

I felt great in the outfit, it was comfortable, light and perfect for the school fair. It was lovely to spend some time with my daughter before the arrival of her sibling. We made purchases from the cake store, I picked up some beautiful material from a stall, and we shared a snow cone.

 Just what this Mumma and Sister  to be needed :)

What do you wear on hot days? Are you shorts-phobic like me?

Check what the other 'Pink Ladies' are wearing this week!

Festival - Aussie Curves

I have not been to a music festival in a long time. I confess, now days my idea of a great festival is a foodie one!

When I was younger I loved a good music festival, and went to the Big Day Out for a few years. I still remember my first BDO. I wore cut off army cargo pants, that I had purchased from an Army disposal store, A tie dyed shirt, and a pair of canvas shoes that I had painted pink and aqua and coated in glitter.

I remember heading home after the concert on a high. I was completely saturated, not because it had rained, but because I had encountered my first mosh pit and I was covered in other people's sweat. I was buzzing with excitement over the amazing day I had experienced. I had seen, heard and smelt things I had never encountered before (including a rather strong whiff in the air that I discovered later was pot. Ha Ha!!)

My first ever mosh pit experience was during Courtney Love's set with her band Hole. At one point she took off her top which led to me being practically crushed as all the blokes around me rushed forward for a better look. As I am short I was wedged up at shoulder height amongst all the sweaty, leering crowd. This was fine, until she put her top back on and the crowd moved back, causing me to become unwedged and fall to the littered floor and nearly trampled on! I should have been scared but I was actually rather thrilled with my first mosh pit experience, and looked forward to many more!

From what I gather I think for the most part the music festival experience has stayed the same as what I first encountered. Although, I understand the mosh pit is somewhat safer today after the tragic death of a young girl that occured at my final BDO.

Another thing that has changed since my first festival is the availablity of plus size clothing for the young girl. You see, my choice of men's cargo pants was not simply a fashion choice. They were the only shorts that actually fit me at the time. I was not a size 14 (I was most likely a 16) and at the time very few clothing for my age was made beyond a 14.

So, for this week's challenge I have put together an inspiration board of festival friendly clothing for the plus sized festival goer. The emphasis is on comfort with a little whimsy!

Print tank top / High-waisted denim shorts / Lana Lace-Up Canvas Shoes - Black - Target Australia / Daisy Chain Headband / Accessories - Target Australia

For me this outfit is perfect.Shorts that keep you cool but also avoid chub rub. A relaxed singlet with a funky print. Flat funky sneakers that offer comfort as well as style. A flower crown for a touch of whimsy. A bright cross-body bag where you can keep some money, ID, sunscreen and a small water bottle.

Check out what the other fabulous curvy festival goers are wearing this week!

Aussie Curves - Work

This week's theme was work. I decided to keep it 'authentic' and take pictures of what I put on just before I headed off to work. I only work 3 days a week, so I have 3 outfits to share with you.

I am a High School Teacher, and so I would describe my attire as smart casual. I don't believe that teachers need to dress in corporate attire. I don't believe the nature of our working environment is suitable for this type of dress. However, I also think that teachers should not dress too casually. We are in a position of authority, and need to dress with that in mind. Even amongst teachers there is a lot of discussion about what you should and shouldn't wear.

There are a few 'rules' that I keep in mind when dressing for work

• Must be comfortable -  Nothing too tight or restrictive. I need to be able to write on the board and move around.
• Wear flat shoes or low heel- My classroom and staffroom is at the top to two flights of stairs. However, all photocopying, toilets and duties are down stairs. This basically means lots of walking up and down stairs through the day. I may also have playground duty or sport depending on the day. Plus, I find the mostly concrete surfaces are not very forgiving for heels.

• No Necklaces or Big earrings - This is mainly due to the fact I carry my keys around my neck on a lanyard. I find they just get tangled with and necklaces and earrings, and I kept finding myself pulling them off through the day, so now I don't bother.

• Layers - I work in an area where it can get very cold during Winter, and very hot through summer. I am INCREDIBLY blessed that my classroom is air conditioned (a rarity in the public high school system). However, due to how much I move around through the day outside my classroom it is best to be layered up.
• Modest - Necklines can't be too low, clothing not too tight and skirts too short. Not that that is my personal style anyway.

This does mean that sometimes I feel my outfits are quite bland. I do love a good scarf though. It is something I have especially picked up from the school I am working in now. Accessorizing with a good scarf really lifts the whole outfit and can add a bit of colour.

Day 1

Day 1 

Dress - Big W - Maternity

Cardigan - SES

Shoes - Rivers

Scarf - Big W

 Hi Lo Top - Crossroads

Ponte Pants - Target Moda 

Wedge Shoes - Joanne Mercer

Scarf - Stall (not a brand/shop)

Peplum Blazer - City Chic

Striped Tee - Big W

White maternity singlet - Big W

Dark Denim Jeans - Autograph

Flat Shoes - Rivers

Get more work inspiration from the ladies below!

Aussie Curves - Celebrate!

As I dressed this morning I realized that the outfit I was wearing was perfect for this weeks AC theme. Not because I was heading out to a party, I was just going shopping. I realised I had different reasons to celebrate.

Let me explain.

I have spoke quite a few times about how wonderful I have found participating in the plus size fashion blog hop. I have seen my style evolve. I try on things that I never would have looked at twice, and I am opening up to a whole heap of different brands I never would have known existed.

So, what is there to celebrate about this outfit? (Yes, I realised later i needed to clean the mirror. Damn toddlers and their grimy fingers)

Tunic - Belle Chemise 

Leggings - Dorothy Perkins

Boots - Target

Cardigan - Millers

Firstly, the leggings. These are 'wet look' leggings. I the past I would NEVER, EVER have looked twice at them. I would assume that my tree trunk legs would look awful in them.

 Truthfully, I definitely need to wear them with a tunic, as they look less than flattering on my bum and upper thighs. However, the fact I bought them in the first place is worth celebrating. They are a symbol of how much I am evolving. They show that I am open to trying new styles. I also tried on a few other tops while shopping today, and was delighted to see they looked great wit the leggings.

Then there's the tunic. I am a little in love with this tunic. I picked it up on the weekend at some local markets. It is handmade, designed in Australia by a business called Belle Chemise . The lady, Jean Hines, had actually only just made the design that week, and had sewed them ready for the market. It is sleeveless, with a cowl neck, and is made from a  sheer fabric.

 I am celebrating the fact that even market stalls are embracing the plus size figure. I am proud that I saw the tunic, decided to try it on, and when I saw it looked exactly as I wanted, I bought it. In the past I would have assumed it would not fit, would not look good, and also would not spend the money on myself, because it was $50.  Instead, I have learnt that you must try things on. I also knew that this was worth the money. It is an unusual item, but offers versatility. Plus the colours were amazing. The tunics are not loaded on her website yet, but if you like it I urge you to send her an email. There were a heap of different fabrics and colours ( I am wearing 'Free size - plus').

So, I am celebrating Aussie Curves. I am celebrating the Plus Size community, and I am celebrating another wonderful year where I am inspired and challenged each week :)

What have you go to celebrate this week?